Taco soup is a fast, flavorful meal that has become a go-to favorite for busy families and gatherings. Combining the bold, zesty flavors of a classic taco with the heartiness of a soup, this dish offers comfort and convenience, making it ideal for cold-weather meals or weeknight dinners. It’s especially loved for its versatility, allowing home cooks to adapt the recipe based on what they have on hand, dietary preferences, or the type of cooking method available.

Whether you’re using the stovetop for a quick fix or letting it simmer all day in the slow cooker, taco soup is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. The variety of customizable toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips, makes it a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, as it stores and reheats beautifully. In this recipe, we’ll explore both stovetop and slow cooker versions, offering flexibility to suit your schedule and taste preferences.

Ingredients Breakdown

The ingredients for taco soup are simple, readily available, and pack a punch of flavor. Let’s break down each one and consider potential substitutions to suit different tastes or dietary needs:

Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is the protein base of this soup, offering a hearty, satisfying flavor. For a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted without sacrificing too much richness. Vegetarians can swap the meat for plant-based alternatives or add more beans for extra protein.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics form the flavor foundation of the soup. The onion provides a subtle sweetness when cooked, while garlic adds a savory depth. For a stronger garlic flavor, you can add an extra clove or two, while a milder taste can be achieved by sautéing the garlic for less time.
Broth: Beef or chicken broth gives the soup a rich, savory base. Beef broth complements the ground beef well, but chicken broth offers a lighter option, especially if you’re using ground turkey or chicken. For vegetarians, a vegetable broth would work perfectly.
Canned Goods: The combination of canned corn, black beans, chili beans in sauce, crushed tomatoes, and green chiles provides convenience, flavor, and texture. These ingredients make taco soup incredibly easy to prepare, as there’s no need to pre-cook or soak beans. Fresh or frozen corn can replace canned corn, and any type of beans (like kidney or pinto beans) can stand in for black or chili beans. For those avoiding spice, use mild green chiles or omit them entirely.
Spices: The blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder creates that signature taco flavor. These spices can be adjusted to taste—more chili powder for a spicier soup, or a bit of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
Salt, Pepper, and Cayenne: These seasonings can be customized according to personal taste. Cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat, which can be increased for a spicier dish or left out for a milder version.

Stovetop Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef The first step in making taco soup on the stovetop is browning the ground beef. Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, ensuring even heat distribution for better cooking. Add the ground beef and chopped onions, and cook until the beef is no longer pink—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to break the meat into smaller pieces and ensure that it cooks evenly.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. This step allows the garlic to release its flavor and aroma, adding depth to the soup. If you prefer a healthier version, consider draining excess fat after browning the beef, especially if you’re using regular ground beef instead of lean.

Step 2: Add Ingredients Once the beef, onions, and garlic are well-cooked, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients. Pour in the beef or chicken broth first, followed by the canned corn, black beans, chili beans with their sauce, crushed tomatoes, and green chiles.

Make sure to drain the corn and black beans before adding them to prevent excess liquid, which could dilute the flavor of the soup. The chili beans, however, should be added with their sauce to infuse the soup with an extra layer of spice. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. This step is crucial for blending all the flavors together.

Step 3: Simmer After combining the ingredients, bring the soup to a simmer by covering the pot and reducing the heat to low. Simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld together. For a richer, more developed flavor, you can extend the simmer time to 30 minutes or even longer.

Tip: If you prefer a thicker soup, simmer uncovered to let some of the liquid evaporate. For a soupier consistency, add more broth or water to your liking.

Step 4: Serve Once the soup is ready, it’s time to serve. Ladle it into bowls and top with your favorite taco-inspired garnishes. Popular toppings include shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. These toppings not only enhance the flavor but also add interesting textures to the dish.

For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top, or add some jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Slow Cooker Version and Variations

Slow Cooker Instructions

Step 1: Layer Ingredients Using a slow cooker for taco soup makes the process even more hands-off and convenient. You can place the raw ground beef directly into the slow cooker without browning it first. Break the beef into smaller chunks to ensure even cooking and distribution as it slow cooks. While browning the beef beforehand on the stovetop adds a richer, deeper flavor to the soup, skipping this step saves time and results in fewer dishes. It’s entirely up to your preference.

Tip: As the beef cooks in the slow cooker, it will naturally release juices. You can break it apart further as it cooks by stirring occasionally to ensure even texture and that the beef is fully incorporated into the soup.

Step 2: Set Cook Time After adding the ground beef, pour in the remaining ingredients: broth, drained corn and beans, chili beans with sauce, crushed tomatoes, green chiles, and spices. Stir everything to combine. Set the slow cooker to the appropriate cook time based on your schedule:

High setting: Cook for 4-6 hours. This shorter cook time is great for a quicker meal, though the flavors may not be as deeply developed.
Low setting: Cook for 8-10 hours. Cooking on low heat allows the flavors to meld together more fully, resulting in a richer, more robust taste, though it requires more time.

Pros and Cons:

High heat: Ideal when you’re short on time but want a flavorful, home-cooked meal.
Low heat: Provides the best flavor development but requires advance planning.

Step 3: Serve When the cooking time is complete, the soup will be ready to serve immediately, making it a convenient option for busy families. Slow cooker meals reheat exceptionally well, making this taco soup perfect for meal prep or leftovers throughout the week.

To modify the recipe, consider adding extra vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, during the last hour of cooking for added nutrients and flavor. You can also stir in cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier version, making the soup more filling without much additional effort.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

Protein Variations To make the soup lighter or more diet-friendly, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Both options offer a leaner alternative while still delivering a satisfying meal. For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the ground meat with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat alternative. Simply follow the same steps in the recipe, and for a completely vegan-friendly soup, use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.

Beans and Corn Variations While black beans and chili beans are the classic choices for this recipe, you can switch them up based on your preference. Pinto beans or kidney beans make great alternatives and add a slightly different texture and flavor. You could also replace the canned corn with hominy, which has a chewier texture and more earthy flavor, for a traditional Mexican twist. Using frozen or fresh corn is also a great option if you prefer a more natural taste.

Spice Adjustments The spice level of the soup can be easily customized. If you enjoy heat, add more cayenne pepper or use hot chili beans for an extra kick. Incorporating fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the soup will also intensify the spiciness. On the other hand, for a milder version, you can omit the cayenne entirely or swap the tomatoes for a mild salsa. This will create a gentler flavor profile while still offering the taco-inspired taste.

Broth Base and Thickness To achieve the perfect consistency, you can modify the broth content. If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth used or allow the soup to simmer longer with the lid slightly ajar. You could also add a tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina to thicken the soup naturally. For a thinner, more broth-based soup, simply add more broth or water during the cooking process, adjusting to your desired texture.

2 thoughts on “Easy Taco Soup”

Heidi Dare Turner Jenkins
December 2, 2024 at 4:20 pm
I want to make this!
Shelly
January 22, 2025 at 11:27 pm
So I used everything from this recipe except the 4 cups of broth and turned it into a stew. Used 2 heaping spoons of beef bouillon paste. Must say it was delicious that way too.
★★★★★